Broadband marine seismic, how much difference does acquisition and or processing make? A case study from Southeast Asia

Abstract

Expanding the bandwidth of surface seismic data, particularly towards low frequencies, is essential for many exploration and production objectives. Broader band signal, both in land and marine environments have marked benefits for imaging deeper targets, imaging through absorptive overburdens, and especially useful for inversion to rock properties. Various methods have been proposed and implemented to expand seismic bandwidth which include both acquisition and signal processing methods. This paper describes a series of tests run to evaluate and analyze the bandwidth response of different acquisition and processing techniques.. We present a Southeast Asia offshore case study of a and experimental dataset. A single multi-cable boat pass of data was collected with several different cable depths, including shallow, deep and slanted configurations. These data were then processed with their appropriate deghosting methods and results compared against a conventional 'flat' eight metre tow acquisition and processing approach. In addition, we examine methods for evaluating the success of these methods and their potential pitfalls. The tests demonstrate the processing techniques used to overcome the phase, datum and frequency response issues for both a single slanted cable and also those used for twin paired cables (over-under technique). Comparisons of final images, amplitude spectra and 'spectral split'? displays will be shown to analyze the final results. Conclusions are drawn as to the relative geophysical success of differing methods and their logistical implementation.